THE Courtyard have hosted several National Citizen Service (NCS) groups over the summer. The NCS programme was developed to tackle some of the biggest social issues in the UK including social cohesion, social mobility and social engagement. The experience is delivered for 15-17 year-olds who participate in a range of activities including group challenges, skill building workshops and a social action project.

One group this year decided to dedicate their social action project to raising money and awareness for The Courtyard and Echo Hereford.

They organised a range of fundraising activities including a one-day car wash specifically for The Courtyard, a bake sale in High Town for Echo Hereford, as well as two bag packs at M&S Hereford and a Spin-a-thon in Maylord Orchards for both charities.

Zakk Kaye, support mentor for NCS Hereford, said: “Our group collaborated really well to raise a fantastic total for The Courtyard which they are all really proud about.”

The group raised a fantastic £386.40, which The Courtyard team was incredibly grateful for.

“I was so impressed with the young people and their ‘can do’ attitude to fundraising and helping others,” said Melanie Denning, The Courtyard’s fundraising manager (Individual Giving). “In the end, they raised enough for a five-year seat sponsorship in the Main House … look out for their plaque on seat P1 next time you’re in for a show!”

To find out more about the I Heart CY charity and what you can do to get involved in fundraising for them, visit courtyard.org.uk/iheartcy